Alternative Spring Break Students “CReATE” a Little Breathing Room for Wheelchair Rehab Program

Stripping donated wheelchairs for parts is a dirty and hands-on job that CReATE relies on to provide recycling income and usable parts for refurbished wheelchairs. 

But this month, CReATE (Citizens Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment) received help from eleven community-minded students from Minnesota colleges as part of a trending phenomenon known as Alternative Spring Break.

Alternative Spring Break students from Minnesota show off their pile of recycling at CReATE.

With the volunteer support of the students, eight donated wheelchairs were stripped and loaded for recycling. The pile totaled 2,400 pounds, which was heaved into a trailer to be taken to the recycling center.

The students also cleared and painted a storage room and a bathroom as well as helped rearrange some very large desks. 

Each of the earlier tasks on this list would have easily taken the regular staff two to three days to take care of, but with a two month backlog there has simply not been an opportunity to take the time. 

Thanks to these eleven students who decided to get their hands dirty rather than sit on a beach, CReATE is operating more efficiently for the benefit of the community.